Embark on a Career
The $50 million Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX) is a world-class facility highlighting Mississippi artists and celebrating the contributions of arts and entertainment entrepreneurs in every artistic discipline. The MAX is a statewide asset with a mission to recognize and honor legendary artists through hands-on exhibits that visually, auditorily, and kinesthetically educate, inform, and entertain every visitor.
The MAX is an experience unlike any other. Want to play a role in inspiring tomorrow’s artists? View the job listings below to begin your story with us.
The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (“The MAX”) is seeking a President + CEO to provide dynamic leadership and, in partnership with the board and by managing and leading key staff, to implement a vision and strategic plan for the organization into the future.
The President + CEO will work closely with the Board of Directors and its Committees to refine, develop, and implement a progressive program for The MAX’s revenue generation, fundraising, exhibitions, educational activities, and state-wide outreach. The MAX tells Mississippi’s unparalleled story of greatness through interactive exhibits featuring its native sons’ and daughters’ contributions to art, entertainment, and cultural activity.
The MAX and its 30+ staff welcome families, groups of all ages, and tourists, and hosts a wide range of educational, professional and community offerings. An outdoor performance stage, community meeting and event spaces, and state-of-the-art recording, pottery, and fine arts studios make The MAX not only a thriving hub of arts and community in Meridian but also a statewide, regional, and national resource. This center highlights and celebrates Mississippi’s rich, unparalleled contributions in arts and entertainment.
“The Mississippi story is often misunderstood and unknown. We enlighten and inspire by sharing stories of creative expression to provide opportunity for all generations to reach their full creative potential.”
The Mississippi Legislature authorized The MAX and its mission in 2001. The $4.3 million annual budget for the nonprofit comes from donations, memberships, gate admissions, grants from government and foundations, and a local food and beverage tax.
The Museum Educator is a part-time position under the supervision of the Director of Communications + Programs. The Educator is responsible for coordinating, implementing, and curating educational programs designed for adults and teenagers. The Educator is a creative, energetic, and innovative individual with the ability to communicate effectively, research thoroughly, and collaborate successfully with a team to provide and create engaging and educational programs for the MAX’s diverse audience.
Duties:
- Designs and implements museum programming, including, but not limited to, MAXStudio, and. Assists where necessary for MAXSpeaks.
- Manages, maintains, and oversees fine art studio spaces.
- Builds relationships with artists and organizations of all artistic disciplines from around the state in order to create and promote successful museum programming.
- Collaborates with the curatorial department and youth educator to create engaging programs based on exhibits.
- Organizes and schedules studio classes, artist demonstrations, and workshops.
- Works with Volunteer Coordinator to identify and train appropriate volunteers for studio programs.
- Creates community partnerships, events, and programming that meet the needs of Meridian, its surrounding areas, and the state.
- Designs engaging and beneficial arts-related programming for high school and college students.
- Works with key development staff members to capitalize on opportunities for successful fundraising for the education department.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Arts, Art History, or a related field.
Demonstrated knowledge and ability in fine art studio practices and management.
Prior supervisory experience.
A demonstrated ability to organize, develop, and implement programming.
At least two years’ experience in fine art, performing art, or music setting.
Proficiency in collaboration and delegation of duties.
Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills with impeccable multi-tasking abilities.
Exceptional interpersonal skills; friendly and professional demeanor.
SPECIAL OR PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. to move art materials and set up outreach projects, including tents.
- Must be available to work some nights and weekends
- Certifications/Licenses:
- Requirements: Current, valid Driver’s license.
- Additional Position Information:
- Background Check – An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.
Interested candidate should send a cover letter and resume via email to careers@msarts.org or deliver to:
Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience
2118 Front Street, Meridian, MS 39301
Mailing Address: PO Box 148, Meridian, MS 39302
601.581.1550
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience (The MAX) is seeking an experienced and reliable professional to serve as Volunteer Coordinator. Reporting to the Director of Operations, the ideal candidate is highly self-motivated and capable of managing his/her workload and prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced museum environment while sustaining a high level of professionalism among staff of The MAX and the general public.
The Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for creating a climate of service excellence with volunteers, interns and The MAX staff. The Volunteer Coordinator may also assist with museum events and educational programming as needed. This is a part-time, hourly position.
ESSENTIAL FUNCIONS
- Recruits, supervises, trains, supports and evaluates all volunteers for The MAX
- Establishes goals and objectives for the volunteer program and monitors progress
- Ensures sufficient number of volunteers to consistently provide service to visitors
- Assigns volunteers to meet museum program needs appropriate to volunteers’ interests and skill levels
- Use volunteer management software to track and record volunteer hours and comprise accurate volunteer cost-saving reports
- Assists with fundraisers and other events requiring volunteers
- Represents The MAX with internal and external groups and field trips
- Works collaboratively with other staff and managers of The MAX to ensure programs implemented by volunteers are effective and enhance visitor experience
- Works with department managers to develop volunteer job descriptions
- Performs other related duties as assigned
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- High school diploma or G.E.D. required; some college education preferred
- Minimum of five years of experience in a position which required professionalism and recruitment
- Proven ability to train and motivate volunteers and other staff
- Microsoft Office skills with an ability to become familiar and learn new computer software
- Proficiency in collaboration and delegation of duties
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with impeccable multi-tasking abilities
- Exceptional interpersonal skills; friendly and professional demeanor
- Must be willing to work some evenings and weekends and during special events
Interested candidate should send a cover letter and resume via email to careers@msarts.org or deliver to:
Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience
2118 Front Street, Meridian, MS 39301
Mailing Address: PO Box 148, Meridian, MS 39302
601.581.1550
Job Summary: Administers both the permanent collection and object loans for temporary exhibitions and performs/oversees all associated activities (packing, transit, insurance, customs, loan agreements, object storage, handling, condition reporting, computerized tracking, and dispersal) in accordance with professional museum standards. Participates in planning exhibition schedule and is in charge of gallery preparation and exhibit installation. Monitors the museum’s fine arts insurance needs and policy with the Director of Finance. Reports to the Director of Communications and Programs.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Information management: manual and computerized
Collections Management
Exhibitions
Borrowed and Traveling exhibitions
Administrative Responsibilities
Administers department;
Building Responsibilities
The following areas are under the supervision of this position. The staff member in this position must oversee and facilitate the daily upkeep and orderliness of these areas.
Preparator Responsibilities
Minimum Qualifications:
Qualified candidates should send a cover letter and resume to careers@msarts.org
The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX) is seeking experienced, reliable, and task-oriented individuals to provide excellent customer service to patrons of The MAX. The part-time Visitor Services Associates will be responsible for selling tickets and memberships at the Admissions Desk as well as selling merchandise in the Museum Store.
Essential Functions
- Provide a welcoming environment and excellent customer service to patrons.
- Sell tickets and memberships and other educational services.
- Process retail sales and complete cash register transactions.
- Use point of sale (POS) software to sell tickets and merchandise, look up inventory, and balance cash drawers at end of shift.
- Answer phones and questions in a knowledgeable and friendly manner.
- Respond in a friendly manner to visitor complaints and concerns.
- Assist Manager with monitoring merchandise inventory, ticketing, stocking shelves, and taking care of other supplies and equipment.
- Have ability to be trained for other related functions.
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED
- Two or more years of experience in retail or customer services/guest services
- Experience in cash handling and working with complex ticketing systems is highly desired.
- Ability to orient group tours and school tours and speak in front of large groups
- Responsibility, friendliness, proper grooming, and honesty in handling cash and credit transactions
- Availability to work a part-time, flexible schedule
- Ability to lift 30 pounds and stand for long periods of time
Interested candidates should stop by The MAX at 2155 Front Street in Meridian, Mississippi to obtain and complete an application or send a cover letter and résumé via email to careers@msarts.org or deliver to:
Human Resources
The MAX
2155 Front Street
Meridian, MS 39301
In order to inspire tomorrow's artists to follow their dreams, The MAX is seeking proposals from talented art instructors in all art forms, from drawing and ceramics to poetry and acting.
Dedicated to celebrating and honoring the lives and works of talented Mississippians who have touched the lives of so many around the world, The MAX – the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience – showcases Mississippi’s legacy in every area of the arts, honors Mississippi's worldwide legends in arts and entertainment, and inspires tomorrow's artists to follow their own creative passions.
The MAX includes a recording studio and two fine arts studios equipped with materials for ceramics study and space to facilitate all fine arts practices.
The MAX seeks qualified instructors, as independent contractors, to teach art classes for children and adults that encourage self-expression and creativity. Instructors must possess an enthusiasm for teaching, extensive experience within their specialized art discipline, classroom management skills, and experience preparing class materials and implementing lesson plans. Candidates should be willing to challenge, engage, and communicate with students to encourage their participation and learning while maintaining mutual value and respect.
Applicants will be assessed on their breadth and depth of education, training, experience, skills, knowledge, and abilities.
Requirements:
- Commitment to The MAX's mission of providing quality arts education to members of the community
- A bachelor's degree in an art discipline (or an art education degree for children's classes)
- Ability to design and implement lesson plans that follow the Mississippi College- and Career-Readiness Standards for arts
- Ability and willingness to promote classes
- Ability to interact with a wide variety of people
- Knowledge of various learning styles and curriculum design
Proposals should include:
- A cover letter
- A résumé or CV showing formal training, exhibitions, and awards
- Three professional references
- A portfolio of professional artwork (electronic preferred)
- Brief class proposals that include cost of materials, your facilitation fee, time frame needed to facilitate, and length of series. Consider offering unique courses that challenge you as an instructor and your students as artists. Emphasize the skills and knowledge your students can expect to obtain from the course.
Please direct the above application materials to the Adult Educator at elizabeth@msarts.org.
This combined position of security and maintenance requires a reliable individual who provides security and maintenance services for the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience (The MAX). This includes all MAX properties (buildings, grounds and security) in order to provide a safe, secure and clean environment.
Essential Functions
- Provide general maintenance of lighting, electrical, carpentry, and light plumbing
- Provide grounds maintenance (lawn, patio, trees, shrubs, flowers, etc.)
- Use basic hand tools for repair and installations and operation of fork lift, scissor lift and other major equipment
- Assist with setup/teardown of tables/chairs/equipment for special events
- Maintain maintenance equipment and supplies
- Must be available for flexible schedules after hours and weekends
- Serve as Security Guard as needed for assigned shifts, helping to preserve the safety of staff, visitors and The MAX
- Assist housekeepers with tasks as needed
- Greet, assist and interact with a variety of people, including employees, visitors, contractors, vendors, etc.
- Enforce rules and regulations in areas as needed; escort visitors when needed
- Respond to all alarms and other emergency situations; maintains records and makes reports as required
Minimum Qualifications
- High School diploma, GED or high school equivalency diploma
- One year of experience in a facility where customers, visitors or patients are served (museum’ hotel/motel, hospital)
- Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operational and maintenance instructions, blueprints, building schematics and procedure manuals
- Ability to write routine reports
- Friendliness, proper grooming, and honesty
- Must be able to lift 30 lbs. or more
Interested candidates should stop by The MAX at 2155 Front Street in Meridian, Mississippi to obtain and complete an application or send a cover letter and résumé via email to careers@msarts.org or deliver to:
Human Resources
The MAX
2155 Front Street
Meridian, MS 39301
The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX) is seeking reliable individuals to provide housekeeping services.
Essential Functions
- Sweep, scrub, mop, and polish floors.
- Vacuum and shampoo carpets and rugs.
- Dust and polish furniture and fixtures.
- Empty and clean trash containers.
- Dispose of trash in a sanitary manner.
- Clean all public and staff restrooms.
- Maintain all cleaning equipment and supplies in a safe and sanitary working condition.
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma, GED, or high school equivalency diploma
- One year of experience in a facility where customers, visitors, or patients are served (museum, hotel/motel, hospital)
- Friendliness, proper grooming, and honesty
- Ability to lift 30 pounds.
Interested candidates should stop by The MAX at 2155 Front Street in Meridian, Mississippi to obtain and complete an application or send a cover letter and résumé via email to careers@msarts.org or deliver to:
Human Resources
The MAX
2155 Front Street
Meridian, MS 39301
The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates for employment are considered without regard to race, color, sex, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, non-job-related disability, or marital status.